What Does it Take to Become a Radiologist?

Radiology is a rewarding profession that’s instrumental for other types of doctors when diagnosing injuries and illnesses. Radiologists are doctors who’ve undergone specialty training in diagnostic imaging technology. They may choose subspecialties to focus on, as other doctors do.

Radiologists are valuable contributors to the medical community. They perform and interpret the tests other doctors need to create treatment plans for their patients.?

What is a Radiologist??

A radiologist conducts diagnostic imaging tests. They perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), computerized tomography (CT) scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and other tests that can see inside the human body. Radiologists also review the scans and interpret them. They work behind the scenes with other doctors and help confirm their diagnoses.?

It generally takes at least 13 years to complete the training to become a radiologist.

What Does a Radiologist Do??

Radiologists can specialize in specific diagnostic testing. Examples include nuclear medicine, pediatric radiology, radiation oncology and neuroradiology. A radiologist’s specialty determines what tests they perform and the conditions they help diagnose.?

A neuroradiologist can diagnose neurological conditions and spinal injuries, while a pediatric radiologist knows how to diagnose common disorders in children. It is not uncommon for radiologists to earn board certifications in multiple specialties. ?

How Do I Become a Radiologist?

The path to becoming a radiologist can be long and daunting. It often begins in high school when individuals decide they enjoy solving mysteries and helping others. Other doctors depend on radiologists’ work to diagnose injuries and illnesses. To become a radiologist, people need to complete these steps:?

Finish High School?

Not everyone knows what they want to be in high school, but students who excel in advanced math and science courses have a head start.?

Mathematics helps radiologists interpret data while studying biology and human physiology is a prerequisite to any medical career. Taking electives in these areas and applying to colleges with reputable radiology programs is the best way to begin.?

Receive an Undergraduate Degree?

Before entering medical school, all doctors need to obtain an undergraduate degree in a field related to medicine. Common majors aspiring radiologists choose include microbiology, human anatomy and biochemistry.?

Students who want to enter medical school can gain an advantage by volunteering for internship programs at local hospitals’ radiology departments.?

Take the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) allows medical schools to determine whether program applicants have the basic skills and knowledge required to pursue a medical career. Medical schools review college transcripts and MCAT exam results when deciding whether to accept a new student. It is one of many important tests that radiologists need to take on the path to becoming specialists in the field.?

Apply to Medical School?

Medical students have two paths to choose from. They can become a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO).?

While both MDs and DOs can practice medicine, they have slightly different requirements to earn their licenses. Medical doctors must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), while DOs need to pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam (COMLEX-USA). ?

During medical school, aspiring radiologists take courses focusing on internal medicine. It isn’t until after they become doctors that they can train in specialized medicine, such as radiology. ?

Take and Pass the Step 1 (USMLE) or Level 1 (COMLEX-USA) Exam?

Doctors must pass one of these tests to receive medical licenses in the United States. The exams have two parts, and medical students take the first part about halfway through medical school.?

After passing the first half, students can work with patients while completing their medical training. Students learn how to work with patients by interacting with them in the presence of a licensed doctor. ?

Take and Pass the Step 2?(USMLE) or Level 2?(COMLEX-USA) Exam?

Toward the end of medical school, doctors take the second part of the USMLE or COMLEX-USA. Passing the test allows them to begin practicing medicine at clinics, hospitals and medical practices.?

Before students can choose a specialty, however, they need to complete a residency program under the supervision of more experienced doctors and mentors.?

Enter Residency?

Residency programs prepare radiologists by pairing them with experts in their field. They can conduct tests and interpret results while their mentor observes and offers corrections and additional training.?

Doctors earn money while they’re in residency so they can support themselves and pay for any supplemental medical training programs they choose. Residency programs last at least four years, and radiologists can begin working as specialists once they complete their residency.?

Fellowship (Specialty Training)?

While not required, radiologists are strongly advised to complete a fellowship program. They can enroll in a fellowship program toward the end of their residency and receive more training in the subspecialties of their choosing. Radiologists who wish to have more than one specialty may enroll in two or more fellowship programs.

Board Certification?

Board certification shows that a doctor is an expert in their field. Radiologists become board certified after completing an exam and showing they have relevant experience in their specialty.?

Doctors earn certifications to boost their credibility. They also often earn more money than those without certifications. Obtaining and keeping a board certification requires ongoing education and training in the latest medical advancements.?

State Licensing?

Passing the USMLE or COMLEX-USA allows doctors to practice medicine under the supervision of other medical experts. Once a doctor completes their residency, they can practice solo if they meet other state requirements for licensure. State laws vary, but most doctors need to renew their medical licenses regularly by passing examinations that prove their competency.?

How Much Do Radiologists Make??

Radiologists make an average of $301,720 per year , according to the Bureau of Labor Services. Salaries vary based on subspecialty, experience, status and board certification status. Radiology is one of the top-paid medical professions. It is also very expensive to become a radiologist. Medical students need to pay for four years of college and another three to four years of medical school.?

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Radiologist?

Radiology is a great career for curious people, analytical and logical. This career may not suit people who like recognition for what they do because radiologists work in the background and deliver results to other doctors rather than directly to patients.?

A career in radiology is almost always worth the time and expense due to how much a radiologist typically earns. ?

Top Takeaways?

• Radiologists must go to school for seven to eight years and complete a residency program lasting at least four years before becoming specialists.
• Fellowship programs and board certifications significantly boost a radiologist’s credibility and earning potential.?
• According to BLS data, radiologists make an average of $301,720 per year.?

(Reporting by NPD)